Community Covenant

AN ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY COVENANT

BETWEEN

Kirklees Council and its partners

AND

THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY IN KIRKLEES

We, the undersigned, agree to work and act together to honour the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

June 2012

THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

An Enduring Covenant Between

The People of the United KingdomHer Majesty’s Government

– and –

All those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown

And their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing

some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

SECTION 1: PARTICIPANTS

1.1 This Armed Forces Community Covenant is made between:

The serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families working and residing in the Borough Kirklees

And

Kirklees Council and its partners

SECTION 2: PRINCIPLES OF THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY COVENANT

2.1 The Armed Forces Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community. It is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at the local level.

2.2 The purpose of this Community Covenant is to encourage support for the Armed Forces Community working and residing in the Borough of Kirklees and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of this Armed Forces Community, particularly those who have given the most. This includes in-Service (regular and reserve) and ex-Service personnel their families and widow(er)s in the Borough of Kirklees

2.3 For Kirklees Council and its partners the Community Covenant presents an opportunity to bring their knowledge, experience and expertise to bear on the provision of help, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community. It also presents an opportunity to build upon existing good work such as the work being carried out by the Citizens Advice Bureau

2.4 For the Armed Forces community, the Community Covenant encourages the integration of Service life into civilian life and encourages members of the Armed Forces community to help their local community.

SECTION 3: OBJECTIVES AND GENERAL INTENTIONS

Aims of the Community Covenant

3.1 The Armed Forces Community Covenant complements the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant which defines the enduring, general principles that should govern the relationship between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces community

3.2 It aims to encourage all parties within a community to offer support to the local Armed Forces community and make it easier for Service personnel, families and veterans to access the help and support available from the MOD, from statutory providers and from the Charitable and Voluntary Sector. These organisations already work together in partnership at local level.

3.3 The scheme is intended to be a two-way arrangement and the Armed Forces community are encouraged to do as much as they can to support their community and promote activity which integrates the Service community into civilian life.

SECTION 4: Pledges

4.1 Kirklees Council and its partners will:

• Introduce a Cabinet Member to act as the Champion for the Armed Forces who’s role will be to lead on the issues relating to the Covenant.

• Report back to full Council on an annual basis with respect to actions taken, impact and emerging issues

• Develop a Community Covenant Board comprising of all relevant Council Services and its key partners. To be Chaired by the Armed Forces Champion

• Identify a senior manager to support the Armed Forces Champion, service the Community Covenant Board and to be the lead contact within the Authority for liaison with the Armed Forces

• Produce a “SMART” action plan based on the key issues of Health, Housing, Education, Community and Employment

• Take part in wider regional initiatives designed to improve the support provided to residents who have served in the Armed Forces.

• Support employees who volunteer for Reserve duties.

• Work to identify Armed Forces personnel / Veterans within the Borough

• Develop a dedicated section of the Council’s website, and ensure that appropriate links are made with other web-based support, and networks.

The Armed Forces will:

• Deliver an annual presentation to local elected Members and the partners of Kirklees Council to present their operational experiences and what any planned changes as a result of defence policy might mean at a local level

• Attend Kirklees Council Community Covenant Board

• Liaise with the lead senior manger to ensure that relevant information is disseminated effectively

• Undertake involvement in community activities as required and when available and practical

Contact personnel and telephone numbers:

MOD DCDS (Pers&Trg) Covenant Team

Contact Name: John ShivasTitle: DCDS (Pers) Sec Covenant 1Telephone: 020 7218 1206Address: DCDS (Pers) Covenant Team Zone D, 6th Floor Ministry of Defence Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB

In-Service representative(s)

Contact Name: Major John MayoTitle: Community Engagement Telephone: 01904 662377 Address: HQ 15 (NE) Bde Imphal Barracks Fulford Road York YO10 4HD

Kirklees Council Contact Name: David Morby Title: Head of Active and Creative Communities Telephone: 01484 234074 - 07866486219 Fax: Address: Kirklees Council Communities and Leisure 2nd Floor Civic one Huddersfield HD12YU